Steel Coding

Steel Coding

The coding of steels is a standardized numbering system used to express specific properties of steel. This coding system provides information about the chemical compositions, production methods, qualities, and characteristics of steels.

Steel coding assures the quality and suitability of products in the steel industry while facilitating the selection of suitable steel for users’ needs. Steel coding typically consists of a combination of letters and numbers.

The first letter indicates the primary component of the steel product. For example, the letter A signifies carbon steel, while the letter B signifies boron steel. The letter C signifies alloy steel, and the letter D signifies hot-rolled steel.

The second letter indicates the production method of the steel product. For example, the letter L signifies steel produced by forging, while the letter P signifies steel coated in the liquid phase.

Numbers denote the properties and qualities of the steel product. For instance, the number 1 indicates that the carbon content of the steel product is between 0.1% and 0.3%, while the number 5 indicates high hardness in the steel product.

For example, 1045 steel represents a carbon steel product. The number 10 indicates that the carbon content of the steel product is between 0.42% and 0.50%, while the number 45 indicates that the steel product’s hardness is on the 45 Rockwell hardness scale.

Steel coding is widely used by steel producers, processors, and other industrial users as it provides information about the quality and properties of steel products. Moreover, this coding system facilitates standardization in the steel industry, improving quality control processes.

Various steel codes for available steel types are as follows:

1018 Steel: This steel belongs to the carbon steel class. The number 10 indicates that the carbon content of the steel product is between 0.18% and 0.23%. 4140 Steel: This steel belongs to the alloy steel class. The number 41 indicates that the carbon content of the steel product is between 0.38% and 0.43%. The number 40 indicates that the chromium content of the steel product is between 0.8% and 1.1%. 316L Steel: This steel belongs to the stainless steel class. The number 31 indicates that the chromium content of the steel product is between 16% and 18%. The number 6 indicates that the molybdenum content of the steel product is between 2% and 3%. The letter L signifies that the steel product is low carbon. A36 Steel: This steel belongs to the structural steel class. The letter A signifies that the steel product is carbon steel. The number 36 indicates that the minimum tensile strength of the steel product is 36,000 psi. SAE 5160 Steel: This steel belongs to the spring steel class. SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers. The number 51 indicates that the carbon content of the steel product is between 0.60% and 0.70%. The number 60 indicates that the manganese content of the steel product is between 0.75% and 1.00%.

As seen in these examples, the steel coding system provides information not only about the compositions but also the production methods, qualities, and characteristics of steel products. Therefore, it assists users in deciding which product will meet their needs.